[Page H609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING BOB KIRK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Kustoff) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and 
recognize a true public servant and a friend of mine, Bob Kirk, from 
Dyersburg, Tennessee.
  Bob has served as an alderman for the city of Dyersburg for 51 years. 
He leaves this position this month not only with many years of 
dedicated service, but also as the longest serving elected official in 
the State of Tennessee.
  Bob Kirk's service to the Nation and to our State started immediately 
following his high school graduation, when he dedicated 4 years to the 
United States Air Force. After serving in the military, Bob returned 
home to start his career at Colonial Rubber Works, where he was a loyal 
employee for 30 years until his retirement in 1996.
  During Bob's tenure as an alderman, he played an instrumental role in 
securing a Tennessee Highway Patrol office in Dyersburg, and he has 
been present and active for so many economic wins on behalf of the city 
of Dyersburg.
  In addition to his elected position, Bob has remained extremely 
active in numerous community organizations. Last spring, the Tennessee 
Municipal League honored Bob by creating a new award in his honor that 
will bear his name. It is the Bob Kirk Local Government Leadership 
Award. This award is going to be given annually to outstanding public 
servants who not only go above and beyond the call of duty, but also do 
a great job in serving their communities.
  To Bob and to his wife, Carol, I speak on behalf of west Tennessee 
and the State of Tennessee and I say thank you for your service to the 
city of Dyersburg. Thank you for your service to Dyer County. You 
epitomize public service and your love for the community.

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